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HMS, TIP EQ-Bank 381 MC

A rugby coach observes that the opposing team has powerful forwards but weak defensive communication in the backline.

Which strategic approach would most effectively exploit this weakness?

  1. Attack through the forwards to compete directly with the opposition's strongest players
  2. Spread the ball quickly across the backline so defenders must constantly communicate to cover attackers
  3. Use powerful individual runs to beat defenders one-on-one
  4. Slow the game down with short, controlled plays to reduce handling errors
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct: Spreading the ball quickly forces backline defenders to keep deciding who covers which attacker. This directly exposes their weak communication and creates gaps.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: Attacking through the forwards confronts the opposition’s main strength instead of targeting their weakness.
  • C is incorrect: One-on-one runs test individual defenders but do not create the shared decisions that expose poor communication.
  • D is incorrect: Reducing errors is a sound general tactic, but slow, controlled play gives defenders time to organise and does not exploit the identified weakness.